02 – Freelance Writer Business Problems – How to Work a Freelance Writing Job List

byAnne WaymanonMay 13, 2014

Although some disagree, a well curated job list can be a boon helping freelance writers find writing jobs.

You want a list that is apt to point you in the direction of good paying freelance writing jobs.

Freelance is the key for most of us, also known as telecommuting and even work at home.

You also want the jobs posted there to be fresh – probably a week or less old.

For years I posted freelance writing jobs – daily, then weekly. I started back in the day when I was lucky to find four jobs. I quit listing several years ago because others were doing it well.

Now I maintain a list of the job lists, an meta-list if you will. But even the best of lists is only a tool. Here are my suggestions for getting the most out of any job list you use.

Be prepared

There’s little point in responding to ads if you aren’t prepared to provide the information prospective employers say they need.

You’ll want to have:

A list of writing credits with links if possible – this is your writing resume and should include only writing, both freelance and in house. If you can, link to articles or other work you’ve done that’s posted online.

Samples of your writing. If you have links to articles that may be enough, although some employers say they don’t want to look at links. I’m not sure what that’s about actually. You can always write a sample or two to send along, as long as you make it clear it has yet to be published.

Your website. If you don’t have a website, contact me and I’ll help you get it up… I’ll charge you, but it will be done and you’ll know how to manage it. You really need a website – find a way to get it done. It’s so much more professional and it’s how folks will find you. Besides, it has your writing credits and samples so it makes responding to job postings super easy.

Work the freelance writing job list regularly

If you’re just beginning, you may want to look for work daily – probably not on every list you find, but on those that seems to have the kind of writing gigs you’re looking for.

Once you’ve begun to earn money, once a week, as part of your regular marketing, is probably enough. But, consistency counts.

There’s another benefit. When you work a writing job list regularly, not only are you more likely to actually land a gig, you’ll develop a sense of what the market is actually doing. Occasionally you’ll even stumble into something new that turns out to be profitable for you.

If you’re desperate…

If you’re feeling desperate for freelance writing work maybe it’s time to consider some other options.

Other options doesn’t mean giving up the writing – far from it. You may, however, want to get serious about a part time job that can, as I put it, support your writing habit.

The reason I even bring this up is I know that it’s really hard to find a writing job when you’re frantic about money – your fear shows up even when you think you’re hiding it. There’s not a thing wrong with stepping back, earning some money, putting together savings and, if you choose, come back to writing later.

How do I know? I’ve done it more than once.

Another way to sum all of this up is create a plan for finding writing work then work your plan. Work it for at least a month, making minor adjustments as you go along. At the end of the month see where you are.

If it makes sense to continue the plan, do so. If not, make the changes you need to make.